Decima
DES-ih-mah
Decima is a name meaning 'tenth,' traditionally bestowed upon a tenth child or born in the tenth month. It carries a sense of order and distinction within a large family, marking a milestone birth with a name of numerical significance. In Roman mythology, Decima was one of the Parcae, the goddesses of fate, lending the name an air of gravitas and destiny.
At a glance
Decima is a rare English name derived from Latin, meaning 'tenth.' Used in England from the 18th and 19th centuries to mark a tenth-born child, it also carries the weight of Roman mythology, where Decima was one of the three Fates. It is a bold, antiquarian choice with classical depth and a striking sound.
Etymology & History
Decima derives from the Latin word decimus, meaning 'tenth,' from decem, the Latin for 'ten.' It entered English use as a given name primarily in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when classical Latin names were fashionable among educated families. The name reflects the Roman practice of ordinal naming and was occasionally used in England to honour a tenth-born child.
Cultural Significance
Decima is one of a small group of English ordinal names, alongside Prima, Septima, and Octavia, that were used in Britain primarily during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when large families made birth-order naming practical and classical learning made Latin numerals fashionable among the educated classes. The name appears in historical records across England, particularly in records of landed gentry and professional families where Latin remained part of cultural literacy. Decima's connection to Roman mythology, specifically her role as the Fate who measured the thread of life, gives it an unusual depth for a name based on a number. In contemporary British usage Decima is extremely rare and would be considered an antiquarian or heritage choice, suited to parents who appreciate historical naming traditions. It has a confident, slightly eccentric quality that sits well with the current appetite for genuinely unusual names with authentic roots rather than invented novelties.
Famous people named Decima
Decima Moore
British actress and singer of the late Victorian and Edwardian stage, one of the original cast members of Gilbert and Sullivan productions in the 1890s, a notable rare bearer of the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Decima
Lavinia
“Woman of Lavinium”
Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus in Roman mythology and the wife of Aeneas, the Trojan hero whose descendants founded Rome. The ancient city of Lavinium, considered the first city of what would become the Roman civilisation, was named in her honour. The name's exact etymology is uncertain, possibly pre-Latin in origin, but its mythological resonance is profound: Lavinia represents the founding mother of Rome, a figure of grace, dignity, and historical grandeur. The name has a flowing, musical quality that has kept it alive through many centuries of European history.
Octavia
“Eighth”
Octavia is a Latin name meaning eighth, from the Latin word octavus. It was a common name in ancient Rome, traditionally given to the eighth child or eighth daughter in a family. The most celebrated bearer in antiquity was Octavia Minor, the beloved sister of Emperor Augustus and wife of Mark Antony, whose dignity and grace made her one of the most admired women of the Roman world. Today the name is chosen for its classical elegance rather than birth order, and it has enjoyed a quiet, sustained revival among parents seeking something distinctive and historically rich.
Serena
“Calm, clear, tranquil”
Serena derives from the Latin Serenus, meaning calm, peaceful, or serene. It perfectly embodies its meaning with a name that sounds as tranquil as its definition suggests. The name has been used in Italy and across the Romance-speaking world for centuries, conveying an inner stillness and graceful composure. Its soft syllables and open vowels give it a flowing, musical quality that has made it a perennial favourite for parents seeking an elegant yet understated name.
Where you'll find Decima
Decima shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.